Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business students come to learn, explore, and build community. As they move forward in their careers, they take everything they’ve learned and use it to power innovation in industries and businesses across the globe. In celebration of Spring 2023 Commencement, we sat down with a few students to learn about their experiences and the wisdom they’ve gained in the process.
Meet Ramy Bassil, who is graduating with a concentration in Finance.
Where are you from?
Marietta, GA
Where did you go to high school?
Walton High School
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
If there was one person who inspired me to pursue a career in business more than anyone else, it would have to be my father. With years of experience negotiating with suppliers across the globe and traveling extensively, he played a major role in fueling my curiosity and passion for the business world. As a child, I was fascinated by how globalization was shaping the world and knew I wanted to be a part of it. This ultimately led me to pursue a degree in business.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose to attend the Scheller College of Business because of its prime location and dynamic culture. Scheller is situated in Tech Square, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship that offers endless opportunities for students to network with hundreds of top companies. Being in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Scheller offers the best of both worlds with its beautiful campus and is close to the bustling city. As a high school senior, I was amazed by the Scheller Business Ambassadors, who were friendly and approachable despite being older and more experienced than I was. This exposure to the unique culture of Scheller made me choose it over other top business schools. I have since appreciated the beautiful campus, kindhearted people, and the companies that come through our doors every week to recruit our top talent!
What concentration did you pursue and why?
My strong mathematical and analytical background drove me to pursue a concentration in Finance. When I was first exposed to quantitative analysis and financial valuation models in the Investments Committee and introductory courses, I was captivated by the complexity and significance of these models. I seek fast-paced and challenging environments and recognized that a concentration in Finance would give me the technical skills needed to excel under pressure. Through my coursework, I have acquired the knowledge and skills to analyze intricate financial data and make informed decisions.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
If I were to offer one piece of advice to prospective applicants, it would be to emphasize the quantitative impact of your achievements. As a successful, driven, and well-rounded individual, feel proud of the work you’ve accomplished, and don’t shy away from specifying the magnitude of those achievements in your application. By providing concrete metrics that illustrate the impact of your accomplishments, you can better demonstrate your value to academic programs and, eventually, potential employers. So, don’t be afraid to quantify your successes and let your achievements speak for themselves!
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
One of the biggest myths surrounding Scheller is the idea that Georgia Tech is a hyper-competitive and cut-throat environment. While Scheller is undoubtedly one of the nation’s most prestigious business schools, the faculty and students have worked tirelessly to cultivate a cooperative and positive culture. Rather than being set against one another, students collaborate with one another and work hand-in-hand with Scheller professors and advisors to achieve their goals. This sense of teamwork has fostered a “pay-it-forward” culture in which older students mentor and support their younger peers. This inclusive and supportive community is one of the things that sets Scheller apart from other business schools across the country and has been one of my personal favorite aspects of being a part of this family.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
At Scheller, the intersection of business and technology is not just a concept but actually a reality through the coursework and the experiential opportunities available to students. Mandatory courses in coding and software give students the tools they need to work more efficiently. At the same time, the presence of technology-focused startup incubators and Fortune 500 tech giants in Midtown provides opportunities for students to gain real-world exposure to this exciting intersection. Additionally, our commitment to innovation is shown through the creation of student organizations, such as the Blockchain club and Create-X, which attract students interested in disruptive industries that require both technological expertise and business acumen.
What was your favorite course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
My favorite course has to be Management of Financial Institutions, taught by Gary Jones. This class was unique in its emphasis on honing our communication skills, as Mr. Jones taught us how to effectively convey our quantitative insights in a way that resonates with high-level decision makers. This skill proved invaluable during my work experience, as I was able to confidently present my findings to upper management on a daily basis. The course also featured a series of influential guest speakers who had achieved great success in the Atlanta area, providing a wealth of inspiration and valuable advice that I continue to draw upon today.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Although this is a really tough question, I’m going to go with Dr. Jacqueline Garner. She is an incredibly gifted professor who has the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that everyone can understand. Dr. Garner is also one of the most passionate and enthusiastic people I’ve ever met. Her energy and dedication to her students are contagious and extend well beyond the classroom. It’s clear that she genuinely cares about the success and well-being of each and every one of her students, and her passion for Georgia Tech and Scheller is always inspiring!
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
During my time on campus, I was heavily involved in several organizations, including the Georgia Tech Investments Committee, Consult Your Community, and Scheller Business Ambassadors. My business education played a crucial role in my ability to make a meaningful impact across these groups. Through courses such as Financial Modeling, Accounting, Investments, and Trading, I was able to make informed investment decisions for our $2 million portfolio. Additionally, my relevant coursework in professional communication, presentation building, and data modeling proved to be crucial in serving in leadership positions as a vice president, director, and board member. My business education not only improved my quantitative skills as an analyst but also helped me lead teams of people through effective communication and critical decision-making.
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
I completed a co-op at Delta Air Lines as a data analyst and interned at McKinsey & Company as a summer business analyst.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I will be working at McKinsey & Company as a business analyst.
How did the Scheller College undergraduate career education program assist you with your job efforts? Did you end up working or interning for one of your top choice companies?
At Scheller, the undergraduate career program has definitely earned its reputation as the best in the nation. One course in particular, Career Development, proved to be an extremely valuable asset to my job search. This class offered resume and LinkedIn workshops, mock interviews, and networking strategies that equipped me with essential skills. The tireless dedication of the Undergraduate Program Office to its students further enhanced my job hunt, with Michael Dutcher, the director for Undergraduate Career Education, serving as an exceptional mentor who helped me navigate my options and identify my ideal career path. Thanks to the wealth of resources available to me, I was able to secure my top-choice position at McKinsey & Company.
Did you participate in any hands-on/experiential learning opportunities? If yes, which projects/companies did you work with, and how did you help them?
Through Tech’s exceptional co-op program, I had the privilege of working full-time for Delta Air Lines for three semesters. During my time at Delta, I was entrusted with responsibilities in data analytics and project management, working to enhance the operational efficiency of Delta’s regional flying. I also spearheaded initiatives geared towards improving the customer’s airport experience, including conducting trials of new on-board services and boarding processes across several hubs. The experience was both rewarding and fulfilling, allowing me to gain invaluable insights into the workings of one of the world’s leading airlines.
I also completed an internship with McKinsey & Company as a summer business analyst, where I worked with an industrial client based in Georgia for eight weeks. I managed an entire pricing model, resulting in potential revenue upside worth millions. This experience taught me valuable lessons in leadership and collaboration, working closely with upper management to discuss strategy updates and overcoming obstacles. Additionally, I was able to contribute to an end-to-end vendor selection process for the client. This internship was truly remarkable, not only because of the exposure to a diverse range of clients and internal talent at McKinsey, but also because of the opportunity to work on impactful initiatives that made a difference.
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
I owe a great deal of my success to my fellow Scheller peers. Their encouragement, assistance, and unwavering support has been irreplaceable in pushing me to strive towards excellence every day. With a community like this, we have all been able to uplift and motivate each other to reach our full potential. I am truly grateful for their presence in my life and for the meaningful connections I have made during my time at Scheller.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Thanks to my co-op with Delta Air Lines, I had the incredible opportunity to take over 100 flights within a span of just 18 months!
What are some of your hobbies?
I have a deep passion for music and enjoy playing various instruments whenever I have the chance. I also love staying active and engaging in outdoor sports like soccer. I’m also a bit of a travel fanatic and enjoy exploring new places whenever possible. When the weekend rolls around, you’ll likely find me hitting the trails for a good hike!
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
I want to visit all of the U.S. National Parks (next on my list are the Utah mighty 5) and learn a fourth language (Spanish is on the pipeline!).
Meet Ramy Bassil, who is graduating with a concentration in Finance.
Where are you from?
Marietta, GA
Where did you go to high school?
Walton High School
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
If there was one person who inspired me to pursue a career in business more than anyone else, it would have to be my father. With years of experience negotiating with suppliers across the globe and traveling extensively, he played a major role in fueling my curiosity and passion for the business world. As a child, I was fascinated by how globalization was shaping the world and knew I wanted to be a part of it. This ultimately led me to pursue a degree in business.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose to attend the Scheller College of Business because of its prime location and dynamic culture. Scheller is situated in Tech Square, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship that offers endless opportunities for students to network with hundreds of top companies. Being in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Scheller offers the best of both worlds with its beautiful campus and is close to the bustling city. As a high school senior, I was amazed by the Scheller Business Ambassadors, who were friendly and approachable despite being older and more experienced than I was. This exposure to the unique culture of Scheller made me choose it over other top business schools. I have since appreciated the beautiful campus, kindhearted people, and the companies that come through our doors every week to recruit our top talent!
What concentration did you pursue and why?
My strong mathematical and analytical background drove me to pursue a concentration in Finance. When I was first exposed to quantitative analysis and financial valuation models in the Investments Committee and introductory courses, I was captivated by the complexity and significance of these models. I seek fast-paced and challenging environments and recognized that a concentration in Finance would give me the technical skills needed to excel under pressure. Through my coursework, I have acquired the knowledge and skills to analyze intricate financial data and make informed decisions.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
If I were to offer one piece of advice to prospective applicants, it would be to emphasize the quantitative impact of your achievements. As a successful, driven, and well-rounded individual, feel proud of the work you’ve accomplished, and don’t shy away from specifying the magnitude of those achievements in your application. By providing concrete metrics that illustrate the impact of your accomplishments, you can better demonstrate your value to academic programs and, eventually, potential employers. So, don’t be afraid to quantify your successes and let your achievements speak for themselves!
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
One of the biggest myths surrounding Scheller is the idea that Georgia Tech is a hyper-competitive and cut-throat environment. While Scheller is undoubtedly one of the nation’s most prestigious business schools, the faculty and students have worked tirelessly to cultivate a cooperative and positive culture. Rather than being set against one another, students collaborate with one another and work hand-in-hand with Scheller professors and advisors to achieve their goals. This sense of teamwork has fostered a “pay-it-forward” culture in which older students mentor and support their younger peers. This inclusive and supportive community is one of the things that sets Scheller apart from other business schools across the country and has been one of my personal favorite aspects of being a part of this family.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
At Scheller, the intersection of business and technology is not just a concept but actually a reality through the coursework and the experiential opportunities available to students. Mandatory courses in coding and software give students the tools they need to work more efficiently. At the same time, the presence of technology-focused startup incubators and Fortune 500 tech giants in Midtown provides opportunities for students to gain real-world exposure to this exciting intersection. Additionally, our commitment to innovation is shown through the creation of student organizations, such as the Blockchain club and Create-X, which attract students interested in disruptive industries that require both technological expertise and business acumen.
What was your favorite course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
My favorite course has to be Management of Financial Institutions, taught by Gary Jones. This class was unique in its emphasis on honing our communication skills, as Mr. Jones taught us how to effectively convey our quantitative insights in a way that resonates with high-level decision makers. This skill proved invaluable during my work experience, as I was able to confidently present my findings to upper management on a daily basis. The course also featured a series of influential guest speakers who had achieved great success in the Atlanta area, providing a wealth of inspiration and valuable advice that I continue to draw upon today.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Although this is a really tough question, I’m going to go with Dr. Jacqueline Garner. She is an incredibly gifted professor who has the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that everyone can understand. Dr. Garner is also one of the most passionate and enthusiastic people I’ve ever met. Her energy and dedication to her students are contagious and extend well beyond the classroom. It’s clear that she genuinely cares about the success and well-being of each and every one of her students, and her passion for Georgia Tech and Scheller is always inspiring!
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
During my time on campus, I was heavily involved in several organizations, including the Georgia Tech Investments Committee, Consult Your Community, and Scheller Business Ambassadors. My business education played a crucial role in my ability to make a meaningful impact across these groups. Through courses such as Financial Modeling, Accounting, Investments, and Trading, I was able to make informed investment decisions for our $2 million portfolio. Additionally, my relevant coursework in professional communication, presentation building, and data modeling proved to be crucial in serving in leadership positions as a vice president, director, and board member. My business education not only improved my quantitative skills as an analyst but also helped me lead teams of people through effective communication and critical decision-making.
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
I completed a co-op at Delta Air Lines as a data analyst and interned at McKinsey & Company as a summer business analyst.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I will be working at McKinsey & Company as a business analyst.
How did the Scheller College undergraduate career education program assist you with your job efforts? Did you end up working or interning for one of your top choice companies?
At Scheller, the undergraduate career program has definitely earned its reputation as the best in the nation. One course in particular, Career Development, proved to be an extremely valuable asset to my job search. This class offered resume and LinkedIn workshops, mock interviews, and networking strategies that equipped me with essential skills. The tireless dedication of the Undergraduate Program Office to its students further enhanced my job hunt, with Michael Dutcher, the director for Undergraduate Career Education, serving as an exceptional mentor who helped me navigate my options and identify my ideal career path. Thanks to the wealth of resources available to me, I was able to secure my top-choice position at McKinsey & Company.
Did you participate in any hands-on/experiential learning opportunities? If yes, which projects/companies did you work with, and how did you help them?
Through Tech’s exceptional co-op program, I had the privilege of working full-time for Delta Air Lines for three semesters. During my time at Delta, I was entrusted with responsibilities in data analytics and project management, working to enhance the operational efficiency of Delta’s regional flying. I also spearheaded initiatives geared towards improving the customer’s airport experience, including conducting trials of new on-board services and boarding processes across several hubs. The experience was both rewarding and fulfilling, allowing me to gain invaluable insights into the workings of one of the world’s leading airlines.
I also completed an internship with McKinsey & Company as a summer business analyst, where I worked with an industrial client based in Georgia for eight weeks. I managed an entire pricing model, resulting in potential revenue upside worth millions. This experience taught me valuable lessons in leadership and collaboration, working closely with upper management to discuss strategy updates and overcoming obstacles. Additionally, I was able to contribute to an end-to-end vendor selection process for the client. This internship was truly remarkable, not only because of the exposure to a diverse range of clients and internal talent at McKinsey, but also because of the opportunity to work on impactful initiatives that made a difference.
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
I owe a great deal of my success to my fellow Scheller peers. Their encouragement, assistance, and unwavering support has been irreplaceable in pushing me to strive towards excellence every day. With a community like this, we have all been able to uplift and motivate each other to reach our full potential. I am truly grateful for their presence in my life and for the meaningful connections I have made during my time at Scheller.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Thanks to my co-op with Delta Air Lines, I had the incredible opportunity to take over 100 flights within a span of just 18 months!
What are some of your hobbies?
I have a deep passion for music and enjoy playing various instruments whenever I have the chance. I also love staying active and engaging in outdoor sports like soccer. I’m also a bit of a travel fanatic and enjoy exploring new places whenever possible. When the weekend rolls around, you’ll likely find me hitting the trails for a good hike!
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
I want to visit all of the U.S. National Parks (next on my list are the Utah mighty 5) and learn a fourth language (Spanish is on the pipeline!).